mid-winter blues

on small comforts and colder days

It’s 1am on July 6th, and despite being Melbourne-born and raised, I still haven’t gotten used to the winters here.

We’ve just passed the winter solstice, which means we’re inching back towards warmer weather. I miss pistachio gelato, warm skin, and the sound of cicadas at 5pm. I miss sand in my hair, sharp tan lines, and collecting shells on the beach. It’s too cold, I feel like I need to hibernate in a cave somewhere until the sun shows itself again. To keep warm, I’ve been focusing my energy more on daily cardio and before-bed yoga. I love moving my body, and I see it as a privilege — my practice is always deeply rooted in gratitude. My winter wellness rituals have been carefully curated, and tiger balm has been my saving grace. It’s something that has been in the medicine cabinet since I was little and always solves whatever little problem I have. I’ve been drinking hot cacao and golden milk (aka masala haldi doodh) instead of a morning coffee, alongside my little yoghurt bowls (vanilla protein yoghurt, almond granola, cacao nibs, almond butter, mixed berries and the occasional airfryer caramelised banana). I read something about (yes on tiktok, where else) eating within 30mins of waking up being highly beneficial for hormone health, energy, and metabolism. I’ve been trying very hard to make that a consistent habit, despite being someone who is notoriously slow in the morning.

I’ve been watching Catherine Breillat films (The Last Mistress, 36 Fillette and Fat Girl specifically) and listening to early ‘90s Madonna. My most recent reads have been Set My Heart On Fire by Izumi Suzuki and Too Much Of Life by Clarice Lispector. My morning walks are swallowed in fog, my nose icy by the time I get home. I’ve been staying up too late and sleeping in too long — the alarms I set to try and force a better routine end up being immediately switched off and ignored out of stubbornness. The cold always brings out my stubbornness.

My skin is feeling the effects of the icy cold, so I’ve added the conserving beauty facial oil into my usual routine — just something to give it a little extra boost. My current signature scent is glossier’s you doux, paired with the gem santal deodorant, and I’ve been lathering myself in shea butter oil as a way to combat the winter dryness. I’ve kept my purchases minimal this past month — just a couple of long-time wishlist items (a paloma wool tote and the glossier pot concealer), and a few necessities for my upcoming Vietnam trip. Surprisingly no impulse depop purchases (yet), but I do gaze at my likes longingly before I sleep every night.

I’m heading to Vietnam at the end of the month, a very welcome escape from the cold. It’ll be my first time travelling overseas since I was fifteen, my old hot pink suitcase still covered in playboy stickers and hello kitty keyrings. I’ve only just started gathering things for the trip: a small digital camera (a 1am eBay bidding win), a cheap silver suitcase, and a uniqlo crossbody bag. I still need to find swimwear and a good pair of sandals. I already know which scent I’ll bring — glossier’s you fleur, a salty, light floral — and I’ve tucked away a few vintage finds just for the occasion. I’m hoping to share some diary entries while I’m there, or not long after. Maybe even a little vlog. Who knows.

Until next time,

Kayley x